Soil Specialist

OVERVIEW 

Recompose is an ecological death care company and green funeral home specializing in the service of human composting (natural organic reduction), where human bodies are converted into soil. The Recompose model offers an authentic, participatory experience for families and a natural return to the earth for the dead. 

Recompose is seeking a full-time Soil Specialist (NOR Operator) to support operations at our Seattle headquarters  

This person will have a comfort around machinery, an interest in creating cleanliness and order, and an appreciation for the natural cycles, sustainability, gardening, and/or permaculture. While previous death care experience is not required, this person will need to be comfortable working with human remains in various stages of decomposition. The position will focus on operations, helping us transform bodies into soil, perform general maintenance, and help create a safe, productive work environment.  

Recompose is transforming the funeral industry and creating deep ecological change. We are looking to hire people who are grounded in creating a new death care paradigm and helping to heal the environment through this work. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Operate Recompose equipment: 

• Assist in facilitating the safe and successful conversion of bodies into soil daily. 

• Operate the Recompose vessel system and ancillary equipment. 

• Operate scissor lifts and forklifts daily. 

• Take required measurements and record them in a computerized system promptly. 

• Follow all safety protocols, including our COVID-19 protocols, and suggest new ones if appropriate.  

• Notice when equipment is not working correctly and report abnormalities to maintenance personnel. 

• Make informed adjustments to process and minor repairs to equipment. 

Assist with management of materials/flow of work: 

• With the Soil Team, manage the flow and storage of all materials related to the NOR process (e.g. wood chips, straw, alfalfa.)   

• With the Soil Team, screen soil for non-organics and handle appropriately. 

• Daily coordination of workflow and prioritization of tasks.   

• Tracking of the “chain of custody” of each body in our care for legal compliance. 

Keep facility clean and well-organized: 

• Help maintain a clean and well-organized facility. 

• Clean and supply designated building areas. 

• Daily sweeping of large areas.  

• Carry out heavy cleaning tasks and special projects for NOR Equipment. 

Participate in training: 

• Complete OSHA and other training necessary to carry out the work in a safe and ethical manner. 

• Collaborate with the Soil Team Manager to assist in the final stages of training new hires. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• For the safety of all, our company policies require full Covid-19 vaccination for all employees. 

• Background with a significant amount of physical labor. 

• Demonstrated emotional maturity required for the handling of human remains in various stages of decomposition. 

• Comfort with basic hand and power tools and machinery. 

• Ability to self-start. 

• Ability to work at height (scissor lifts up to 15’). 

• Ability to work around loud abrupt sounds, smells, and dust. Note that hardhats, steel toed work boots, gloves, earplugs/earmuffs, masks, and respirators are required for safety, depending on circumstances. Those with sensory issues should note that safety PPE is required and can make some accommodations unfeasible. 

• Existing forklift operator and scissor lift operator certification(s), or ability to obtain required certifications. Recompose will pay for training associated with such certifications. 

• Ability to work with mobile and computer applications is necessary for recording of NOR data and one’s own hours onsite. Use of a smart phone is required for some work tasks. 

• Flexibility in terms of approaches and duties as the Recompose team is small and helping each other accomplish a variety of tasks is a necessity. 

• Resilience, including the ability to manage own emotions, demonstrate self-control under pressure or adversity, and practice self-care. 

Every person we hire will have the following qualities: 

• Empathy and interpersonal sensitivity – great listening skills. 

• Emotional generosity – ability and willingness to offer comfort and support to clients in distress. 

• Resilience – ability to manage one’s own emotions, demonstrate self-control under pressure, and practice self-care. 

• Flexibility – ability to adapt to new situations and to change focus unexpectedly. 

• Ability to act upon organizational mission, vision, and values. 

• Reliable transportation: while a vehicle is not required, and alternative means of transportation are celebrated, the site in Seattle does not have great access to public transit. 

WORKING CONDITION AND LOCATION: 

This position will report onsite to our Seattle location.   

Work is done inside a warehouse, and can tend to be hot or cold, depending on the ambient temperature. Work can involve dust, smells, and loud abrupt noises, any of which can require the use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, hard hats, earplugs, masks, or respirators, all of which are provided by Recompose.   Exposure to compost elements, which can include bacteria, fungus spores, insects, and ammonia, is likely.  

Work is very physical in nature, requiring bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying.  Use of hand and small power tools is required, as well as pressure washers, air compressors, and shop vacs. Soil Specialists must be able to safely lift and carry 50 pounds for short periods, or lighter loads for longer.  Soil Specialists should be able to be on their feet for much of the day.   

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFIT INFORMATION 

Starting Salary 

$29.34 per hour 

Benefit Information 

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans 

• Paid time off including 4 floating holidays, New Years Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, 150 hours of PTO 

• Bereavement leave of 75 hours yearly 

• Sick leave accruing at 1 hour/40 hours worked 

• Inflation indexed yearly salary increase 

• Wellness and technology stipends 

• 3% 401k employer contribution 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 

Our goal as an employer is to have a feminist, antiracist culture, and to employ a diverse, inclusive workforce that is representative of all people we do or might serve. As such, we do not discriminate on any protected status, and moreover, we celebrate applications from persons of color, persons of all genders and gender expressions, persons of any sexual orientation, the formerly incarcerated, and persons of any other protected class, such as religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, pregnancy status, or genetic status. Please feel free to let us know in your application if you fit into any such category/ies, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to apply.